August 4, 2022
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (August 4, 2022) – Progress on the Wards Creek Fire, located in the hills above the 3100-block of Wards Creek Road east of Rogue River, continues to be steady, as perimeter fire lines held strong on Thursday and mop-up operations kicked into high gear. The fire is 40% mopped up, reaching 50 feet in around the entire perimeter. The fire is 17 acres, burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private land. The cause was determined to be lightning.
Overnight, resources will remain dedicated to mop-up operations and strengthening perimeter lines. The Wards Creek Fire was first reported Tuesday night at approximately 9 p.m. as a single tree on fire that was spreading to the surrounding area. The terrain is extremely steep with dense brush; along with these factors, limited road access and hot conditions challenged firefighters. Despite many homes in the area, evacuations were never necessary.
Due to the steady progress on this incident, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. Smoke may still be visible while mop-up operations continue. Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
August 4, 2022
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (August 4, 2022) – Firefighters on the Wards Creek Fire, located in the hills above the 3100-block of Wards Creek Road east of Rogue River, made excellent progress overnight, completely lining the perimeter of the fire and beginning mop-up operations. The fire was GPS mapped overnight and was found to be 17 acres in size. The fire was lightning-caused and is burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private land.
Overnight, firefighters were able to plumb the entire fire with hose, providing water access to the entire incident. This has been a challenge since the fire was first reported on Tuesday night, as it’s burning on a steep slope in dense brush. Today, three 20-person crews, a water tender, a bulldozer and ODF overhead personnel are assigned to the fire, and aircraft will be utilized as needed. Resources will continue mopping up, and focus on securing and holding containment lines. Due to the steepness of the ground, mop-up operations may take longer, as crews work to be thorough in this effort.
The health and safety of our firefighters remains a top priority, and breaks will be a focus on the line. Temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler today, although the high remains in the mid-nineties. Significantly less windy conditions should also decrease fire behavior, and not challenge crews as much as yesterday.
There are currently no structures threatened. Smoke may still be visible while mop-up operations continue. Fire information is always available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
August 3, 2022
ROGUE RIVER, Ore. (August 3, 2022) – Despite numerous challenges, firefighters are holding containment lines on the Wards Creek Fire, located in the hills above the 3100-block of Wards Creek Road east of Rogue River. The fire continued to push to the east, growing to an estimated 10 acres, however it remains 40% lined. The fire is burning on private and Bureau of Land Management land and determined to be caused by lightning.
On Wednesday, three 20-person crews were assigned to the incident, as well as numerous engines, tree fallers, a water tender, bulldozer, and two Type 2 helicopters. Increased heat in addition to steep terrain and dense brush fueled fire behavior. Tanker 104 was ordered to drop two loads of retardant on the east flank, bolstering perimeter lines. Meanwhile, tree fallers were able to remove roughly 50% of the hazardous trees on the fire, greatly reducing the risk to firefighters on the incident. This work will continue on Thursday.
During Wednesday’s dayshift, a firefighter suffered a heat-related illness while on the line. With the help of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Brim Aviation, the firefighter was transported by air to the bottom of the road and taken to Three Rivers Medical Center by Jackson County Fire District 1 personnel. Tonight, the firefighter is reported to be in stable condition. Hydration and breaks are a priority on the fire line, and as temperatures continue to trend upward, the safety of firefighters remains a top priority.
Overnight, three new 20-person hand crews will be assigned to the incident, along multiple engines, a water tender and ODF overhead personnel. Goals remain closing the fire line, and firefighters will take advantage of cooler conditions overnight to continue this progress. At this time, no structures are threatened.
Fire information is available on our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
August 1, 2022
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (August 1, 2022) – Due to dry vegetation, hot conditions, thunderstorms and numerous active fires in the region, the fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “extreme” (red) at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will remain at Level 2 (two). These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Beginning Tuesday morning at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:
- The use of power saws is prohibited, excluding electric chainsaws.
- The cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.
- The mowing of dry or dead grass is prohibited.
- The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine not specifically mentioned above is prohibited.
The following fire prevention regulations are currently in effect and will remain in effect until the fire danger level drops significantly:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and designated locations.
- Debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
- Fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestland are prohibited.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s fire-safe instructions.
- The use of exploding targets is prohibited.
- The use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base is prohibited.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except when used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
- Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season restrictions, visit our website, www.swofire.com or our Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District.
July 26, 2022
SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is canceling the July 26 community information session scheduled in Grants Pass. The July 27 information session scheduled in Medford will now be a virtual meeting only. Anyone may attend the virtual session.
ODF’s information session in Grants Pass was canceled due to concern for the physical safety of attendees and ODF employees. The safety of the communities we serve and our employees is our top priority. We want the opportunity to talk with people about their concerns and questions about the wildfire risk map, which is why we’re still hosting a virtual meeting Wednesday evening. We understand that there are Oregonians who need an in-person participation option. We’ll be looking for future opportunities to have an in-person meeting in southwest Oregon in the near future.
The virtual meeting will be held through Zoom from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27. Join the meeting through this link: https://odf.zoom.us/j/97802419789.
Each information session will include a presentation about the map’s function and purpose, how wildfire risk is assessed, and how property owners may appeal their assigned risk class. Time will be available to address questions from community members.
The wildland-urban interface (WUI) and statewide wildfire risk map available through the Oregon Explorer is a tool to help inform decision making and planning related to mitigating wildfire risk for communities throughout Oregon.
Representatives from Oregon State University who produced the map based on rules adopted by the Board of Forestry will also attend the sessions.
Property owners in the high and extreme risk classes have received written notice from ODF indicating the property’s risk class and whether it’s in the wildland urban interface. The notice will inform them if they may be subject to future defensible space or building code requirements and how to find information on those requirements. It will also provide information on the process to appeal a property’s risk classification.
For properties in the WUI and a risk classification of high or extreme, Senate Bill 762 requires actions to help mitigate the risk of wildfire through adoption of defensible space and home hardening building codes. Oregon State Fire Marshal is passing defensible space code requirements through a public process. Code adoption of defensible space requirements will occur December 2022, after the map validation and appeals period is closed. Those requirements won’t apply until later. Visit OSFM’s website for more information. Building Codes Division (BCD) will adopt home hardening building codes through a public process. Building codes will be adopted October 1, 2022 and will be effective April 1, 2023. Visit BCD’s website for more information. Visit Division of Financial Regulation for information on insurance related to the wildfire risk map.
July 22, 2022
WILDERVILLE, Ore. (July 22, 2022) – Mop-up work continues on the Cheney Creek Fire, located on Marble Mountain south of Wilderville. Overnight, firefighters were able to build on Thursday’s work, mopping in 75 to 100 feet in some areas, steadily putting out hot spots further into the perimeter. Cold temperatures and good overnight relative humidity recoveries aided resources by contributing to decreased fire behavior, active fire in some cases burning itself out. No new spot fires were found overnight, and the perimeter lines are holding strong. Firefighters capitalized on these conditions, pumping 10,000 gallons of water onto the fire and making excellent progress in challenging areas.
Friday’s goal are similar; crews will focus on expanding on mop-up operations to 100 feet in around the entire perimeter of the fire, strengthening lines and watching for spot fires. Nearly 150 people are assigned to the incident today, including five 20-person crews, an 8-person crew, four engines, five tree fallers, two water tenders and one bulldozer. Aircraft will be available as needed.
The Cheney Creek Fire remains an estimated 30 acres. More accurate GPS mapping may take place on Friday if resources are available. The fire is affecting Bureau of Land Management and private land south of Wilderville. The fire was first reported by the ODF Southwest Oregon Detection Center Wednesday afternoon around 4 p.m. Investigators are engaged on the incident and working to determine the cause. No evacuations were ever ordered on this incident, and there have been no injuries to firefighters, despite challenging conditions.
Due to the steady nature of progress on the fire, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change. For more information on fire season in Jackson and Josephine counties, follow the ODF Southwest Oregon District on Facebook @ODFSouthwest.
July 21, 2022
WILDERVILLE, Ore. (July 21, 2022) – Firefighters on the Cheney Creek Fire, located on Marble Mountain south of Wilderville, continued to make progress today, mopping in 25-50 feet into the perimeter.
The day wasn’t without its challenges, however; late in the afternoon, a fallen snag caused a break in the fire line, which grew to an additional 1.5 acre fire, bringing the total to an estimated 30 acres. Firefighters were able to re-line the newly burned area with the help of aerial support from a Type 1 and two Type 2 helicopters and an air attack platform. Investigators were also on scene today continuing their work in the cause of the fire.
Tonight, three 20-person crews, four engines, one water tender and one tree faller will be assigned to the fire. These resources will be working until the next shift change at 6 a.m. Firefighters have a goal of mopping in to the 100-foot mark into the perimeter overnight. Safety concerns remain dangerous tree snags and rolling rocks on the steep terrain. Firefighters are keeping these risks in mind as they continue to work on mop-up operations.
The Cheney Creek Fire was first reported at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 by the ODF Southwest Oregon District Detection Center. Resources from ODF, BLM and private contract companies began an aggressive initial attack that extended into the evening and overnight into Thursday morning. The fire is burning on Bureau of Land Management and private land.
July 21, 2022
WILDERVILLE, Ore. (July 21, 2022) – Despite numerous challenges overnight, crews working the Cheney Creek Fire, located on Marble Mountain south of Wilderville, made excellent overnight progress on the fire, lining 100% of the perimeter and starting mop-up operations. Preliminary GPS mapping found the fire to be roughly 29 acres, however more accurate mapping will be required. The fire is affecting Bureau of Land Management and private land along Cheney Creek road. Relative humidity overnight did not recover as expected, and as a result, the fire remained active overnight, and multiple fallen trees and spot fires affected the fire line. Firefighters are also dealing with rolling boulders on the slope, posing a significant safety concern.
Today, resources will continue mop-up operations while watching for potential spread and additional spot fires. Firefighters have a goal of mopping up 50-75 feet into the perimeter of the fire. More than 120 people are assigned to the fire, including five 20-person crews, four engines, two water tenders, and two fallers. District aircraft are assigned to the fire and will be available as needed.
The Cheney Creek Fire was first reported at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The ODF Southwest Oregon District Detection Center was able to confirm a growing column of smoke near Cheney Creek road on Marble Mountain, south of Wilderville. Multiple resources including engines, a water tender and a bulldozer were initially dispatched, however, due to the remote location, numerous aircraft were sent, including two Type 2 helicopters, the ODF Helitack crew in the district’s Type 3 helicopter, a single-engine air attack plane, Air Tanker 104, and a U.S. Forest Service Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest Type 1 Helicopter.
Aircraft were able to quickly get over the fire and begin water bucket drops while firefighters continued to find access points to the fire on the ground. When they first arrived, the fire was estimated to be three-quarters of an acre. Resources from ODF, BLM and private companies began an aggressive initial attack that extended into the evening. Tanker 104 was able to drop four loads of retardant and helicopters made numerous water bucket drops before they had to land for the evening. Night resources were ordered, and firefighters remained engaged overnight.
Investigators will be on scene today to continue their efforts. Reports indicated someone may have intentionally set numerous fires; investigators will be looking into these claims during their investigation. No evacuations were ever put in place on this incident.
As the week progresses, temperatures near the fire are expected to decrease and overnight humidity recoveries are expected to improve, allowing firefighters an advantage on the fire line in the coming days. Firefighters will remain engaged 24 hours a day until mop-up operations are nearly complete.
Fire season information is available online on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
July 19, 2022
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (July 19, 2022) – Firefighters are mopping up the I5 MP 37 Fire, located on the southbound side of Interstate 5 between Central Point and Gold Hill. It was stopped at three-quarters of an acre in size on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after it was reported.
Just before noon, firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Jackson County Fire District 1 responded to a report of a grassfire along the side of I5. When resources arrived, they found an estimated half-acre fire burning on a slope along the interstate. Multiple resources were ordered, including additional engines, water tenders and a Type 2 helicopter. Following an aggressive initial attack, firefighters were able to stop it at three-quarters of an acre. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Traffic in the area was affected on the southbound side for a short period due to a rollover traffic crash north of the incident and fire personnel in the area. Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police were able to direct traffic to the side; ODF appreciates our roadside partners in this assistance.
Temperatures in the next week are expected to be hot and fuels are continuing to dry out. Please be aware of the increased risk for fire and follow all current regulations. More information is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.
July 15, 2022
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 15, 2022) – The fire danger level on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District will increase to “high” (yellow) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 2 (two) on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. This affects 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
The primary difference between current fire prevention restrictions and those beginning on Monday affects the public use of power-driven equipment, such as chain saws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.
Other fire prevention regulations which will remain in effect, include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels
- No fireworks on or within 1/8th of a mile of forestlands
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
- Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used in other locations
- Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain, are allowed only on improved roads; one shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations
- Chain saws may not be used between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chain saws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use
- Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
- The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine-use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during high fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site
- Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation
Under IFPL II (Two) – limited shutdown, which is entirely separate from all public fire restrictions, the following may operate after 8 p.m. and up until 1 p.m. daily:
- Power saws, except at loading sites
- Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws
- Cable yarding
- Blasting
- Welding, cutting, or grinding of metal
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest.
July 6, 2022
SODA MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, Ore. (July 6, 2022) – The Skookum Creek Fire, located approximately two miles north of the Oregon-California border, is now 100% lined and mopped up. Firefighters assigned to the incident were able to complete the mop-up process Wednesday afternoon, four days following the ignition of the fire. The cause was determined to be lightning during a storm that passed through the area on Saturday evening. Firefighters were able to catch it at six acres.
The Skookum Creek Fire was one of seven lightning-caused fires in Jackson and Josephine counties following thunderstorms over the weekend. ODF Southwest Oregon District will continue to monitor the areas affected by strikes for any potential holdover fires that could ignite in the coming days as the weather continues to warm up.
While much of southern Oregon has received rainfall in the past couple of days, the risk for fires to start and spread has not decreased; please be aware that regulations are still in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties and the fire danger level remains at moderate (blue). For fire season information anytime, follow us on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.
July 5, 2022
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (July 5, 2022) – Firefighters with the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District were kept busy over the Fourth of July holiday weekend following a thunderstorm that rolled through Jackson County on Saturday and Josephine County on Sunday. In all, seven fires have resulted from lightning strikes thus far, one in Josephine County, and the other six in Jackson.
The largest fire, and the only one firefighters are still engaged on, is the Skookum Creek Fire, located two miles north of the Oregon/California border in the Soda Mountain Wilderness. Following accurate GPS mapping, the fire has been determined to be six acres. As of Tuesday morning, it’s 100% lined and 25% mopped up. Firefighters are facing challenges following the recent rains; the road they were using to access the fire was washed out overnight, making the hike in much longer and more difficult. Hazard trees are also posing a threat to resources. Today, 71 people are assigned to this incident, including four hand crews, three Type 6 engines, a water tender and ODF overhead personnel.
The other five fires in Jackson County included the Rattlesnake Point Fire, located off of Dead Indian Memorial Road southeast of Ashland, the Y Creek Fire, located on Mt. Ashland to the north of Mt. Ashland Ski Road, the Valley View Road Fire, located east of Valley View Road, the Worthington Fire, located near Worthington Road northeast of Eagle Point and the Hobart Fire, located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The largest of these fires was the Rattlesnake Point Fire, caught at one acre. In Josephine County, the Ajax Gulch Fire was reported July 3, following a lightning strike west of Wolf Creek. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a single tree had been struck and was on fire. They were able to extinguish it, with the final fire size being 1/100th of an acre. All six of these fires are extinguished.
For the next couple of weeks, ODF firefighters will be patrolling these areas affected by lightning for any potential holdover fires. Our Detection Center staff will be monitoring cameras in these areas as well, and we’ll order reconnaissance flights when necessary. Please be aware of the potential for new fire starts and report all fires by calling 911.
While much of southern Oregon has received rainfall, the risk for fires to start and spread has not decreased; please be aware that regulations are still in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties.
For fire season information anytime, follow us on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest on online at www.swofire.com.
June 30, 2022
APPLEGATE LAKE, Ore. (June 30, 2022) – The Collings Mountain Fire is now 100% lined following the dayshift on Thursday, and slow but steady progress is being made on the mop-up efforts, now 65% complete. Following accurate GPS mapping, the final size of the fire was found to be nine acres. The fire is located on private land approximately 1.5 miles west of Applegate Lake. The cause remains under investigation.
During Thursday’s day shift, rolling debris caused a breach in the fire line, and a new quarter-acre spot kept crews busy. They were able to reconstruct the fire line and extinguish and mop up the new fire. Our firefighters encountered a few rattlesnakes, and continue to be challenged by the steep, rocky terrain and hazardous trees and boulders; these concerns are slowing down our operations, as we focus on the safety of our firefighters. However, we remain dedicated to constant progress in our mop-up work.
Tonight, two 20-person crews will be continuing these efforts, along with two type six engines, a water tender and ODF overhead personnel. For tomorrow’s day shift, three new 20-person crews will be assigned to the incident, as well as two type 6 engines, four water tenders and a tree faller. Due to status of this incident, this will be the final update unless conditions significantly change.
The ODF Southwest Oregon District will be bringing on the first of its aircraft beginning on Friday; our severity type 2 helicopter will be stationed at the Grants Pass airport and ready to respond to calls. We also maintain our ‘call when needed’ list for additional aircraft.
Friday also marks the start of Moderate fire danger in Jackson and Josephine counties. A complete list of new regulations are available on our website, www.swofire.com. Additional fire season information is available online on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.
June 30, 2022
APPLEGATE LAKE, Ore. (June 30, 2022) – Firefighters made excellent progress on the Collings Mountain Fire overnight, lining 90% of the perimeter and beginning mop-up operations. All forward progress has been stopped and there is currently no active fire on the landscape. The final size of the fire is seven acres, and the cause remains under investigation.
The Collings Mountain Fire was first reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 by Southwest Oregon District Detection Center staff, who spotted the smoke in routine scans of the area. U.S. Forest Service Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest and ODF firefighters responded, as the initial report placed the incident in a remote area near the border of private and national forest land, approximately 1.5 miles west of Applegate Lake.
When firefighters arrived in the area, they were able to confirm the fire was burning on private land on a steep, 80-90% grade slope, approximately one mile from the nearest road. Due to the difficultly of the location, a Type 2 helicopter was ordered to begin water bucket drops while firefighters hiked into the area.
The area where the fire was burning contains mostly heavy timber with rocky ground, and our bulldozers were initially ordered, but due to large boulders, were ineffective in creating a fire line; this left the entirety of the control line to be dug by hand, which firefighters were able to nearly complete in the first 15 hours of the incident.
Today, firefighters will work on completing the fire line and continue the mop-operations that our night crews were able to begin early this morning. There are 81 people assigned to the fire today, including three 20-person crews, a type 3 engine, three type 6 engines, four water tenders and a tree faller. If aircraft are needed, they will be ordered.
There are safety concerns for our firefighters today; the steep slope remains a challenge, and hazard trees and rolling boulders are posing a significant risk to crews. Keeping these things in mind, we will continue to work diligently on mop-up operations, and be ready to respond to any additional fires that are reported today.
June 29, 2022
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (June 29, 2022) – The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to “moderate” (blue) on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that additional fire restrictions for the public will be in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).
These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.
Beginning Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:
- Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of vegetation;
- Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;
- Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;
- The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;
- Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
- Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
- Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials and a water supply is at the job site;
Public fire restrictions currently in effect, which will remain in effect, include:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
- Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
- Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328
- Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152
Fire season information is also available online at our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest and our website: www.swofire.com.
June 22, 2022
The Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), the Umpqua National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District have announced that the 2022 fire season will officially begin Friday, June 24th at 12:01 AM. All private, county, state, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District as well as the public lands within the Umpqua National Forest and Roseburg District BLM are included in the fire season declaration, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public and industrial operators to help prevent wildfires.
In addition to the declaration of fire season the DFPA will implement Public Use Restrictions Friday, and the BLM Roseburg District will issue a Fire Prevention Order for BLM-administered lands. Public use restrictions will be assessed later for the Umpqua National Forest. These fire prevention restrictions are put in place to ensure fire prone activities do not start wildfires.
The following fire prevention measures will be in effect:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and at other designated locations.
- Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels, is prohibited.
- Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated sites.
BLM designated sites: Susan Creek Campground, Tyee Campground, Scaredman Campground, Eagleview Campground and Cavitt Creek Campground.
Douglas County Parks designated sites: Amacher Park, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Pass Creek Campground, Stanton Park, Chief Miwaleta Campground, and Whistler’s Bend Campground.
Private Campgrounds: Seven Feathers RV Resort and Umpqua Riverfront RV Park & Boat Ramp.
- Charcoal and pellet BBQs are only allowed at fully developed and maintained residential home sites when used in areas that are free of flammable vegetation. A charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere.
- The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition is prohibited. In addition, the use of sky lanterns is prohibited year-round in Oregon.
- Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads that are free of flammable vegetation. This restriction is waived on private lands during low fire danger or when vehicles are used for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. In addition, each vehicle with three or more wheels traveling on forest roads must have an axe, a shovel, and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. Motorcycles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
- Any electric fence controller in use shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be operated in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The following restrictions are based on the official fire danger for the Douglas District, which can be found online at www.dfpa.net or by calling DFPA’s 24-hour information line at (541) 672-0379:
- The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes are allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, non-industrial power saw use is prohibited. Each power saw is required to have a shovel and a fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity immediately available. In addition, a one-hour fire watch is required following the use of each saw. On BLM managed lands in the Roseburg District, the use of non-industrial power saws or other equipment with internal combustion engines used for felling, bucking, skidding, or wood cutting is prohibited.
- The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited. These activities can only be conducted in an area free of flammable vegetation and a charged garden hose or a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available. The cutting, grinding, or welding of metal is prohibited on BLM managed lands in the Roseburg District.
- The cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried, cured grass is allowed all day during LOW fire danger. This activity is permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During Extreme fire danger, the cutting, trimming, or mowing of dried or cured grass is prohibited. The culture and harvest of agricultural crops is exempt from this requirement.
- Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power driven machinery may operate all day during LOW fire danger. These activities are permitted before 1:00 PM or after 8:00 PM during MODERATE fire danger and before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM during HIGH fire danger. During EXTREME fire danger, these activities are prohibited unless a waiver has been issued. Each piece of power-driven machinery working is required to have a shovel and a 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour once the equipment has completed work for the day.
The declaration of fire season also means the start of industrial fire regulations. On Friday, the entire Douglas District and the Umpqua National Forest will go into Industrial Fire Precaution Level I (one). During IFPL I, smoking is prohibited while working on, or traveling through an industrial operation. In addition, specified fire tools and suppression equipment must be on site and ready for use at all industrial operations and a fire watch is required once work has completed for the day.
Additional fire restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or other public land management agencies on the lands they own or manage. For more information about public and industrial fire restrictions, visit the following sites:
May 27, 2022
JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (May 27, 2022) – Fire Season on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Southwest Oregon District begins Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. The fire danger level will be “Low” (green) and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one). Lands affected by this declaration include 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Following a warm and dry start to the year, April and May brought more typical spring-like patterns and precipitation to southern Oregon and helped in decreasing the amount of fire starts. Year to date, our firefighters have responded to 25 fires for a total of 22 acres burned; these statistics tell a much different story than last year, when during the same timeframe, we had responded to 89 fire starts totaling 120 acres. While temperatures and conditions haven’t yet become consistently warm and sunny, fuels are primed to burn, and years of drought have contributed to an increased fire risk. For these reasons, fire season is being declared at this time.
Beginning Wednesday, the burning of debris piles and the use of burn barrels for burning debris will no longer be allowed in Jackson and Josephine counties. Even with recent rains, landowners are encouraged to check their previously burned piles from this spring and confirm that they have been extinguished.
In low fire danger, the following activities are prohibited:
- No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels.
- No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds, and on private land with the landowner’s permission. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels may be used as well.
- Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
- Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.
Under IFPL I (one) – fire season requirements are in effect. In addition to the following:
- A Firewatch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Season regulations, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:
Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point – (541) 664-3328
Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass – (541) 474-3152
Additional information about fire season is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com, our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
April 25, 2022
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (April 25, 2022) – The Oregon Department of Forestry, alongside Grants Pass Fire Rescue, Rural Metro Fire and Grayback Forestry, will be conducting pile burns on Dollar Mountain the week of April 25, pending favorable conditions. This project is the first phase of the Dollar Mountain Forest Park Management Plan; firefighters have a goal of burning pre-stacked piles on 155 of the 447 total acres in an effort to reduce fuels in the area and wildfire risk to Grants Pass.
The park, located directly northwest of the city, is owned by Grants Pass. The City’s burn window is only open from April 23 – May 1, 2022; with recent rain and more precipitation in forecast, firefighters are confident in keeping the prescribed burn under control while mitigating the fire risk to the surrounding area. Crews will be thinning out dense brush and clearing out dead or dying vegetation to reduce fuels in the area and improve overall forest health.
Smoke may be visible throughout the week; firefighters will remain on scene to monitor the burns while they are ignited. This collaborative project includes numerous fire agencies, as well as the Bureau of Land Management and Josephine County.
March 7, 2022
GOLD HILL, Ore. (March 7, 2022) – Firefighters have stopped the forward spread of an escaped debris burn, reported on the 1300-block of Sardine Creek Road, northwest of Gold Hill. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Evans Valley Fire District #6 all responded and were able to quickly line the fire; mop-up operations are nearly complete.
The fire was first reported around 4:15 this afternoon by the landowner. It was caused by a debris burn pile that escaped and started to move uphill following a wind direction change. The landowner had a water source at the ready and tried to stop the fire, however, due to the dryness of the vegetation, the wind and topography, it spread beyond control. The landowner called 911 to report it, and then used their excavator to begin lining the fire. When firefighters arrived, they were able to build on that work and quickly stop the forward spread of the fire.
This is a great example of how to handle an escaped debris burn; the landowner had a water source at the ready, did what they could, and reported it by calling 911 right away. With the current lack of substantial rain, fuels are dry and ready to burn. If you have debris burning to do, consider the following:
- Only burn on a burn day. Call your county’s burn line to ensure you’re not breaking the law and starting an illegal burn pile.
- Check the weather. If it’s warm, sunny and windy, consider putting off your debris burn until the next cloudy or rainy day- even if it’s a scheduled burn day.
- Make sure you have any needed permits from your local fire department or district, and know the regulations associated with it.
- Clear the area directly around your pile and make sure there isn’t any dry vegetation nearby that could cause it to spread.
- Keep a water source nearby, such as a charged hose.
- Never leave your burn pile unattended.
- When you’re finished, extinguish your burn pile with water and dirt until you can’t feel any heat in the area. Check for heat with the back of your hand.
- Monitor your prior debris burns. Extinguished piles can reignite months later in warm, windy conditions weeks after your burn.
No one thinks their debris burn will be the one that starts a fire. Please be aware of the current conditions and monitor your piles – it could mean one less wildfire in our valley this spring. Additional information is also available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
February 15, 2022
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. (February 15, 2022) – Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District firefighters responded to two small fires located approximately 10 miles northeast of Cave Junction shortly before 11 a.m. on Monday morning. When resources arrived, they found the first fire to be an estimated 1/10th of an acre on BLM land and the second to be an estimated 1.5 acres on private land; fire activity was minimal on both fires and firefighters began an aggressive initial attack.
Several risk factors were present on these incidents, including steep terrain, hazardous trees and the potential for rolling logs. Despite these safety risks, firefighters were able to make great progress on these fires relatively quickly; both were 100% lined and 80% mopped up by Monday evening. With rainy conditions present and no active fire, resources were comfortable leaving the scene overnight.
Tuesday morning, firefighters returned to continue mopping up and searching for potential hot spots. An eight-person crew, two Type 6 engines and one Type 5 will remain on scene until the mop-up process is complete, and firefighters will continue to monitor the area throughout the upcoming weeks. Fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of both fires. No homes were ever threatened, and no evacuations were needed.
These incidents serve as a great reminder that fires can start and spread even during the winter months; with the recent lack of rain, fuels are dry and ready to burn. Southern Oregon is an extremely fire-prone environment and given the right conditions, fire risks are present year-round. Please be aware and report any fires by calling 911.
Additional information is also available online on our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.
